David Alaba, the globally recognized Austrian professional footballer known for his versatility and success with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, has navigated his public life with a degree of privacy, yet his romantic journey has occasionally captured public attention. From an early, long-term relationship to building a family with his current partner, Alaba's love life reflects a steady progression from his formative years in football to his established career as a global star.
Alaba's first publicly known long-term relationship was with Katja Butylina, a former professional handball player from Austria. Their relationship reportedly began around 2010, though some reports suggest they were first seen together publicly in 2013. Butylina, a talented athlete in her own right, was pursuing a degree in marketing in Vienna while Alaba was establishing himself in Munich, leading to a long-distance dynamic for much of their time together.
The couple made several public appearances, notably at the annual Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich, where they were photographed together in 2013 and 2014. These appearances offered rare glimpses into their private lives, as both Alaba and Butylina generally maintained a low profile. Their relationship was often described as scandal-free, indicating a stable and private partnership during Alaba's early and mid-career at Bayern Munich.
Despite their seemingly strong bond, reports of their separation began to emerge in late 2016 and early 2017. Sources indicated that the couple had quietly parted ways, with some suggesting the breakup occurred earlier in 2016. The exact reasons for their split were not widely publicized, consistent with their private approach to their relationship. Alaba was noted to be attending public events, such as Oktoberfest, without Butylina, signaling the end of their years-long romance.
Following his relationship with Katja Butylina, David Alaba found love again with Shalimar Heppner. The couple reportedly met in 2017, and their relationship quickly blossomed. Shalimar Heppner, a German model and public relations manager, is also the daughter of renowned German chef Frank Heppner, adding another layer of public interest to their pairing.
Alaba and Heppner made their relationship public in 2018, making their debut as a couple at the traditional Oktoberfest in Munich, much like Alaba had done with his previous partner. Their public appearances became more frequent, and Heppner often shared glimpses of their life together on her social media, including vacation photos and support at Alaba's matches. Their bond appeared strong and supportive, with Shalimar frequently seen cheering him on from the stands.
A significant milestone in their relationship came in 2019 when they welcomed their first child, a son. Alaba publicly expressed his joy and gratitude for this new chapter in his life, sharing heartfelt messages on social media about becoming a father. The arrival of their son marked a deepening of their commitment and the beginning of their family unit.
The couple's journey continued to evolve, and while many media outlets continued to refer to Shalimar as Alaba's "girlfriend" or "partner," multiple reputable sources, particularly those updated more recently, confirm that David Alaba and Shalimar Heppner married in a secret ceremony in 2021. This private wedding, reportedly held in Austria, solidified their union, though details remain scarce due to their desire for privacy. Shalimar has since been referred to as Alaba's "wife" in various contexts, including in stock photo captions from public events like the Champions League Final in 2022.
In 2023, the Alaba-Heppner family grew once more with the birth of their second child, a daughter. Shalimar shared the happy news on her Instagram, confirming the expansion of their family. The couple has chosen to keep the names of their children private, further demonstrating their commitment to protecting their family's privacy despite their public profiles.
Today, David Alaba and Shalimar Heppner continue to maintain a relatively private life, focusing on their family and Alaba's demanding football career with Real Madrid. Shalimar is often seen supporting him at matches and sharing moments of their family life, showcasing a stable and loving partnership. Their relationship stands as a testament to enduring commitment in the often-turbulent world of professional sports, with Shalimar providing a strong support system for the decorated footballer.